Japanese Rice - there's no other choice!

If someone has told you that Japanese rice is needed for you're sushi recipes, what they are really talking about is short-grain rice. Your favourite Asian supermarket probably sells other varieties of rice as well, so be carefull and look for the following characteristics:

• uniform size

• opaque or pearly white appearance

• rice kernels are not broken or smashed

Sometimes you won't be able to see the rice in the bag unless you rip it open (and that ain't good!). Try looking for one of the following on the front of the bag:

• Extra Fancy or premium

• Sushi rice

• California Sushi Rice

In North America, most Japanese rice is grown in California because of its ideal climate. I usually buy my sushi rice in 5 pound bags. This should be more than adequate for your needs.

Don't buy or use long-grain rice, parboiled rice (yuck!), Jasmine rice, basmati rice... Okay you get the picture! Now that you know how to select your rice you have to learn how to cook and season it.

I can help! Check out the following:

• How to Cook Sushi Rice

• How to Season Sushi Rice

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